2013-11-17

11/17/2013
Department of International Affairs - Democratic Progressive Party

In the fourth plenary meeting of the Democratic Progressive Party China
Affairs Committee held today, November 14, Assistant Professor York Chen,
convener of the Defense Policy Advisory Committee, presented a report on
“National Security Implications of Cross-Strait Interaction: Consensus and
Controversy.” Subsequently, Joseph Wu, Executive Director of the DPP’s Policy
Research Committee, briefed the committee with an update on the drafting
process of the China policy review report. Committee members engaged in
vigorous debate on these two topics, exchanging views on a range of issues from
the consensus on constitutionalism to the strategy for cross-Strait inter-city
exchange.
According to committee spokesman Wen-tsang Cheng, Chairman Su made the
following remarks at the meeting:

"Cross-Strait relations have seen many changes in this past period:
several agreements have been signed, and the economic relationship has grown
closer by the day. As the biggest opposition party in Taiwan, the DPP must
arrive at a new appreciation of regional dynamics and cross-Strait relations,
and fulfill our responsibility toward Taiwan’s future by articulating our
position. The purpose of forming the China Affairs Committee was to undertake a
deep and comprehensive discussion of China policy, and to address the issue
head on. This meeting had no set conclusion at its beginning, and we hope that
before the next meeting on Jan. 9, 2014, all committee members can communicate
as much as possible or assign their aides to participate in related
discussions, in a bid to seek a more fruitful and positive result for the DPP’s
China policy.”

Director Honigmann Hong of DPP’s China Affairs Department said that the
preliminary draft of the final report was a summary based on the past three plenary
meetings and seven expanded meetings on China policy that have been held so
far. The contents of the current draft includes a preface, followed by separate
chapters on basic positions and core values; domestic politics on both sides;
Taiwan’s economic strategy, civil society; foreign policy; and national
security. Overall, the seven expanded meetings that have taken place to date
represent the most comprehensive effort to examine the question of cross-Strait
relations in Taiwan’s history, encompassing 520 attendees, 48 expert briefings,
13 written opinions, and 188 speakers.

Spokesman Wen-tsang Cheng went on to recount the observation from Professor
York Chen’s report, “National Security Implications of Cross-Strait
Interaction: Consensus and Controversy,” that as the cross-Strait military
situation becomes increasingly imbalanced, Taiwan’s national security already
faces a serious challenge. Taiwan must strengthen its defense while building a
consensus on national security, as the two sides continue to interact.
On the basis of existing consensus on the relevant questions, the fundamental
cross-Strait defense balance, the content of discussions from the seventh
expanded meeting of the China Affairs Committee, and related policy statements
previously issued by the DPP, Dr. Chen recommended four basic policy
propositions as follows:

Taiwan must establish a peaceful
relationship with China conducive to mutual prosperity and co-existence.
Both sides of the Taiwan Strait bear the international responsibility for
maintaining the peaceful status quo. China’s peaceful rise is contingent
upon its sincere pursuit of safeguarding peaceful coexistence over the
Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan’s national security strategy is
inextricably linked with the values of democracy, freedom, and human
rights. Taiwan should view the China issue through a global and a regional
perspective, meaning that there must be a balance between cross-Strait relations
and national defense.

In foreign policy, the democratic alliance
anchored by the United States and Japan is clearly in the process of
expansion and deepening, thus increasing Taiwan’s geostrategic relevance.
On Oct. 3, 2013, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Kin Moy stated
that Taiwan can play the role of a regional leader in transnational
issues. Taiwan serves as a model for emerging democracies, and should
therefore bear corresponding responsibility by proactively participating
in related international activities. China should not suppress Taiwan’s
efforts to contribute to the international community. Taiwan’s foreign
relations should follow the principle of “values diplomacy,” combining the
universal values of democracy, freedom, and human rights with best
practices from Taiwan’s experience. Working through diverse and flexible
channels of soft power, such as international organizations and inter-city
exchanges, to strengthen ties and expand relations, Taiwan’s sustained
existence can be turned into a positive asset to the Chinese people and
the international system.

In the quest for a peaceful and secure
environment, Taiwan will pursue any path that can help to maintain
regional stability—including security cooperation within a democratic alliance
or confidence building measures—in order to reduce any miscalculation that
could lead to military aggression. Taiwan must take serious stock of its
own self-defense resolve and capability. Taiwan has no intention of
engaging in an arms race with China, but deterrence of Chinese military
aggression is a precondition for cross-Strait stability, peaceful
coexistence, and prosperity. Taiwan’s defense budget must be raised
significantly in order to rebuild the confidence of our people, our armed
forces, and our international friends.